Illinois Trucking Jobs

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Illinois, the “land of Lincoln”, is the fifth most populous state in the US, and is frequently considered to be a microcosm of the entire country. It has a diverse economic base and is a major transportation hub, making truck driving in Illinois a great career choice! There are several types of truck driving jobs in Illinois, ranging from cross country (Over The Road, or OTR), to regional, to local. Each of these types of trucking jobs may appeal to different individuals. If you’re ready to get started, just use our job directory to reach out to companies that are hiring qualified drivers. Get yer career in gear, partner!

People who enjoy working independently may be attracted to OTR jobs, where they are on the road for 2 to 4 weeks at a time, then returning home for some family time. People who would like to stay within the same climate may be attracted to regional jobs, where they may have regular routes with specific stops, or different routes each week. These drivers get home more often than OTR drivers, returning home every few days, or weekly. Local driving jobs involved driving the shortest distances of all, often within a specific city or metropolitan area. Of these, OTR jobs tend to be the most numerous and best paid.

To become a truck driver in the state of Illinois it is necessary to qualify for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) issued by the state. Federal regulations specify that you must be at least 18 years of age, or 21 years of age to be eligible to drive across state lines.

Requirements for Truck Driving in Illinois

To be eligible for a CDL in Illinois, you must possess a valid Class D Illinois Driver’s License. You will need to provide a Medical Examiner’s Report, and pass a vision test, written exam, and skills test. You can apply for either a Class A, Class B, or Class C license, based upon the size of the truck you plan to drive. You need to have a valid, government-issued social security card, and be able to prove you are an Illinois resident. The cost of obtained a CDL will be between $110 and $185.

Making the Most of Your Trucking Career

Most truck drivers in Illinois belong to the Illinois Trucking Association. This organization concerns itself with education and safety, as well as legislative interests, of members of the trucking industry. Their annual meeting in September involves a full line-up of speakers and award presentations. Awards will be given for Motor Carrier Member of the Year, and Safety Professional of the year, among others.

Benefits of Truck Driving Careers

Professional truck drivers are in high demand in Illinois given the state’s central location and the many goods and commodities that are produced within the state. As a result, wages tend to be excellent and job benefits are also outstanding. The median yearly pay for a truck driver in the state of Illinois is $42,300, compared to the national average of $38,700, allowing Illinois truck drivers to enjoy a good quality of life. Different types of trucking jobs may enable you to earn even more. For example, if you haul hazardous materials, pay tends to be higher. Most employers provide medical, dental, and vision benefits along with flexible medical spending accounts that allow you to make medically-related purchases using pre-tax dollars. Paid vacation time is typically offered, with the number of weeks growing with the number of years of service to a specific employer. 401k retirement benefits are another perk typically offered, and, often, employers will contribute to an employee’s retirement fund up to a certain percentage, allowing funds in the retirement account to accrue at an even faster rate. Paid military leave and jury duty service are other benefits frequently offered.

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If you don't already have your Class A CDL License, find a Truck Driving Schools in Illinois that will get you trained and driving.